[Martial Force Ranking – Rank 3]
[Azure Dragon Association]
[Leader: Bai Yujing]
[Cultivation: God Demon Realm Land Immortal]
[Expert: Two Mythical Realm Land Immortals, three Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortals, more than one hundred Great Grandmasters, Grandmasters not included]
[Total Member: More than ten thousand]
[Reward: Heaven-Grade Ultimate-Tier Treasure – Nine Dragon Heaven Jade Seal, incomplete, capable of evolving and increasing in grade]
It did not take long.
The ranking in the sky refreshed once again.
This time, the martial force that appeared instantly shocked everyone.
Especially the Emperors of various nations, who were utterly horrified.
Their eyes were filled with disbelief.
Azure Dragon Association!
Had actually taken Rank 3 on the Martial Force Ranking!
And that was not even the most terrifying part.
The Great Dragon Head, Bai Yujing.
Was actually at the legendary God Demon Realm Land Immortal!
Bai Yujing was merely one of Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao's avatars.
Doesn't this mean?
That Emperor Zhu Houzhao himself was a true God Demon Realm Land Immortal cultivator?!!!
How could that be possible?
Everyone who saw this could not help but ask the same question in their minds.
How old was Zhu Houzhao?
22 years old!
What a terrifying level of talent.
In the Martial World, someone at that age reaching the Great Grandmaster Realm would already be considered an unrivaled genius.
But now?
Compared to the Ming Emperor, they were insignificant specks of dust in a vast universe.
Not only that.
The core members of the Azure Dragon Association had so many Land Immortal Realm cultivators.
Even two Mythical Realm cultivators.
That was far too powerful!
If Emperor Zhu Houzhao so wished, he could easily dominate the entire Martial World.
Yet all this time.
The Azure Dragon Association had remained hidden in the shadows of the Martial World.
Never revealing their full strength.
As if they were merely playing games with the Ming Martial World.
It was a blatant disregard for the martial forces of the Ming Dynasty.
Even the manipulation of public opinion within the Martial World seemed to be guided intentionally by the court and Azure Dragon Association.
Thinking about the implications was truly frightening.
Compared to the Hundred Schools of Thought of the Qin Dynasty and the righteous and demonic forces of the Sui Martial World.
The Ming Martial World was not weak either, but in the face of the Azure Dragon Association, or rather, the Ming Imperial Court.
It posed no real threat at all.
Occasionally, some rebels appeared.
Such as Ye Gucheng and Prince Nan Mansion.
Perhaps in the eyes of the court and Azure Dragon Association, they were nothing more than clowns.
These people believed themselves clever and even secretly rejoiced.
But in truth, everything was already within the court's grasp.
They were simply being used as chess pieces to weave a larger net.
And they were none the wiser.
How pitiful, how tragic, how lamentable!
Everyone was shaken by the terrifying power of the Azure Dragon Association.
Even those who often interacted with them were visibly shocked.
Utterly horrified.
==========
Ming Imperial Palace.
Zhu Houzhao played with the Nine Dragon Heaven Jade Seal in his hand, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile.
So it had been exposed after all.
But perhaps that was a good thing.
Seeing this should be enough to deter some unnecessary trouble.
The Nine Dragon Heaven Jade Seal.
He hadn't expected the Heaven Dao to reward him with such a treasure.
With this seal, one could consecrate the heavens and earth, solidify dynastic fortune.
Let fortune attach to oneself.
If the Nine Provinces were not a Martial World but an immortal or fantasy world, he would have suspected that already.
Even his system's daily reward had never granted such a good item.
It seemed he needed to pay more attention to the rewards of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.
The last time, the Chaos Physique granted from being first on the Hidden Dragon Ranking had benefited him endlessly.
His strength had advanced dozens of times faster than before.
Saving him countless hours of effort.
It had made him elated for quite some time.
Looking at the Jade Seal in his hand, perhaps it would be of unimaginable use in the future.
After playing with it a bit, Zhu Houzhao didn't refine it right away, but put it away.
A look of anticipation flashed in his eyes.
"Another day has passed."
"Today is the last day of my 22nd year of lying low. The system's reward today should be a pleasant surprise!"
"System, collect today's lying flat reward!"
[Ding, congratulations to the host for lying flat for one day. You've received a random reward: Law-Grade Skill – One Leaf Obscure the Heavens]
In the next moment, a torrent of information flooded into his mind.
At the same time, profound insight flowed through his heart.
Very soon, Zhu Houzhao understood the characteristics of this skill.
One Leaf Obscure the Heavens. Using this skill allows the user to perfectly conceal all personal information.
Even Heaven Dao would struggle to see through it.
Zhu Houzhao's eyes lit up.
This skill had come at just the right time.
He had been worrying that his information would slowly be exposed by the Heaven Dao.
It was not a problem yet.
But if things continued, he might become a target for everyone in the Nine Provinces.
After all, he had orchestrated countless schemes from behind the scenes over the years.
If all of them were exposed, even as the Ming Emperor, even with God Demon Realm power.
He might not be able to handle it!
This time, the exposure of Bai Yujing's identity as a God Demon Realm cultivator did not affect him much for now.
At most, it would make the Emperors of other nations more wary.
And label him a supreme enemy.
But if more sensitive information were revealed.
Then it would not only be the Emperors who erupted, but the entire Nine Provinces Martial World.
Zhu Houzhao would be branded as the "Number One Demon of the Nine Provinces", and the "Greatest Enemy Under Heaven".
At that point, even if he could protect himself, he would no longer be able to enjoy the peaceful lifestyle he had now.
Collecting system rewards with ease.
This "One Leaf Obscure the Heavens" skill was incredible.
Without hesitation, Zhu Houzhao activated the skill and began to manipulate it.
The first thing he did was to sever the link between himself and all his former avatars.
From now on, even if those avatars were exposed one by one.
They would no longer be traced back to him.
Instead, they would divert attention.
Drawing hatred away from him.
In this way, he could continue his life of peace.
He was at the God Demon Realm, but not yet invincible in the Nine Provinces.
Only when he could crush the entire world with a single hand.
Would it be time for him to truly show off.
For now, it is better to remain low-key and lie flat!
This exposure of his true strength would surely stir both the Martial World and the court of the Ming Dynasty.
Unfortunately.
Those shady forces working behind the scenes were probably scared out of their wits now.
He had missed a perfect opportunity to catch them all in one net.
Zhu Houzhao felt a little regret.
It had to be said, his level of cunning had reached a terrifying height.
Anyone who became his enemy would suffer immensely!
They would not die in an explosive battle, but perish quietly in a carefully laid trap.
Not even knowing how they died.
Or who had killed them.
==========
Empress Chambers.
Empress Wu Zhao opened her mouth wide, staring in shock at the ranking in the sky, speechless for a long time.
She had known His Majesty was deeply hidden and immensely powerful.
But she had never expected him to be at the God Demon Realm?
That was outrageous!
If she didn't know for certain that His Majesty was Zhu Houzhao himself, she would have thought he had been possessed by some ancient monster.
His Majesty was truly a one-of-a-kind martial prodigy.
"Miss, is that really His Majesty?"
"Is Bai Yujing really one of His Majesty's avatars?"
"Could it be that His Majesty simply borrowed the name of the Great Dragon Head of Azure Dragon Association to move around the Martial World?"
Palace Maid Qing'er was visibly stunned.
Even when His Majesty ranked 1st on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, she had not reacted so dramatically.
"That is possible, but unlikely."
Empress Wu Zhao quickly shook her head.
A God Demon Realm cultivator is not to be disrespected.
With His Majesty's wisdom, if Bai Yujing truly existed, he would definitely show him great respect.
There would be no need to impersonate him.
Clearly, Bai Yujing never existed. He was simply one of His Majesty's avatars.
"Miss, if that's true, can we ask His Majesty to help us kill that old monster Di Shitian?"
Qing'er's eyes lit up excitedly.
"Qing'er, do not speak of this again. I will deal with Di Shitian personally."
"His Majesty is tied to the fate of the entire Ming Dynasty and must not act lightly!"
"If Di Shitian is not killed and seeks revenge, our nation's strength will suffer greatly. I would be the greatest sinner of the realm."
"I would not be able to face His Majesty."
"And would have no choice but to end my own life in apology."
Hearing the Empress speak with such severity, Qing'er dared not argue.
Though she was a trusted servant, she knew not to cross certain lines.
Otherwise, she would no longer be permitted to serve the Empress.
"Send word to the people of Netherworld City. Tell them to keep a low profile and not violate the laws of the Ming Dynasty."
"With His Majesty's strength and wisdom, Netherworld City's actions surely cannot escape his notice."
"We must not be overly indulgent. If we truly anger His Majesty, even I will not be able to save them."
"Yes, Miss. I will inform them right away."
Now understanding the terrifying power of the Emperor, what did it matter if Netherworld City had two Mythical Realm cultivators?
If His Majesty truly moved against them, they would stand no chance.
Netherworld City had only survived this long thanks to the Empress's protection.
That was all.
If it were any other force?
They would have long since been swallowed and absorbed by the Azure Dragon Association.
==========
Wudang Mountain.
Zhang Sanfeng looked at the Martial Force Ranking, especially the names of Azure Dragon Association and Bai Yujing, stunned in disbelief.
He was deeply shocked.
"Master, is the Azure Dragon Association really that powerful?"
"They're far beyond what we imagined!"
Yu Daiyan could barely believe it.
"Yes, even I did not expect this."
"Compared to them, Wudang and Shaolin are pathetically weak."
Zhang Sanfeng sighed.
"Master, the righteous forces of the Ming Martial World often clash with the Azure Dragon Association. Should Wudang still be involved?"
Hearing his disciple's question, Zhang Sanfeng gave a wry smile.
"Daiyan, I fear there are already many Azure Dragon Association spies within Wudang."
"We've been drawn into this long ago."
"In fact, I suspect that even those constantly calling for resistance against Azure Dragon Association may be under their control."
Yu Daiyan looked utterly confused.
What did that mean?
"Balance."
Zhang Sanfeng softly spoke two words.
"His Majesty truly is wise and far-sighted."
"Master, I still don't quite understand."
"If the Azure Dragon Association is so strong, shouldn't they unify the Martial World and follow court law?"
"Why are they still..."
The more he spoke, the more confused Yu Daiyan became.
"The entire Ming Martial World is a chessboard."
"If the Azure Dragon Association are the black pieces, then the rest are the white pieces."
"Maintaining balance keeps the Martial World lively."
"If the board is full of black pieces, the Martial World becomes dead and stagnant."
"That is the same as killing the chicken to get the egg."
"With His Majesty's foresight, how could he not understand this?"
Zhang Sanfeng spoke thoughtfully.
"Master, you mean..."
"I remember now, recently in the Martial World, Qiu Fengwu of Peacock Manor has been gathering the righteous forces to challenge the Azure Dragon Association's August 15th Branch."
"He even invited Wudang and Shaolin."
"Could it be..."
Yu Daiyan was shocked.
"If I'm not mistaken, Qiu Fengwu is most likely one of the Azure Dragon Association's people."
"Peacock Manor may be one of their forces too."
"Although it likely does not answer directly to the August 15th Branch."
Although it was speculation, Zhang Sanfeng was confident.
"This, this, this..."
Even Yu Daiyan was amazed.
If not for this exposure, who would have known the Azure Dragon Association played such a mysterious game?
Their vision clearly went beyond the Martial World and was aimed at something much deeper.
"Master, then what should we do now?"
"Watch and wait. Act as though we know nothing."
"Sometimes, it is better to be foolish than too clever."
Zhang Sanfeng's voice carried a hint of emotion.
==========
Ming Martial World.
Heavenly Venerable Organization Headquarters.
Murong Qiudi and Lin Shiyin stared in disbelief at the ranking in the sky.
Bai Yujing!
God Demon Realm Land Immortal!
And Bai Yujing was one of that scumbag's avatars.
That scumbag was actually that powerful?
They had thought he was only at the Heavenly Human Realm.
But now, such a shocking revelation.
"Sister Qiudi, he... he's incredible!"
"Even better than I imagined!"
"No wonder he could easily help someone like me become a Great Grandmaster!"
Lin Shiyin looked thrilled.
Anyone watching might have thought she was the God Demon Realm cultivator.
"Sister Qiudi, should we go find him next?"
"Train!"
"Shiyin, we must reach the Land Immortal Realm as soon as possible. Otherwise, we will not be worthy to stay by his side."
"Do you want to be a mere decorative vase around him?"
"You were chosen by him for a reason. Do not waste your potential."
"Heavenly Human Realm cultivators live for three hundred years!"
"In a hundred years, he will still be youthful, but you will be old and gray. Is that what you want?"
Hearing Murong Qiudi speak, Lin Shiyin's face turned pale.
That was not the ending she wanted.
She silently vowed to train hard.
To reach the Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal as soon as possible.
Only then could she remain by his side.
Being a mere Great Grandmaster was clearly not enough.